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Infantry Safety Regulations


It is each participant’s responsibility to also comply with the General Event Regulations.

 1. Infantry muskets must be period reproductions military type issue muzzleloading (black powder) percussion rifle musket or smoothbore types (three band preferred). This does not include Zouaves, Hawkins, Kentucky, plains rifles, flintlocks, or any type shotguns.
 2. Swords and revolvers may be carried by Officers. Battalion Commanders may make an exception for NCO’s. Unsheathed swords are not allowed during charges or in close proximity to the opposing force.
 3. Any knives carried shall be of period type and secured at all times in a proper period style sheath. Knives will NEVER be drawn on the field for any reason.
 4. Bayonets will properly fit their weapon securely for stacking. Bayonet scabbards shall have a metal tips securely fastened. Bayonets shall ONLY be fixed by order of the Battalion Commander.
 5. Ramrods may be carried in the field, but MAY NOT be drawn except for inspections for living history demonstrations or at the Memorial Service. An NCO or Safety Officer may draw a ramrod on the field to determine if a malfunctioning weapon has an obstruction in the barrel of the weapon.
 6. All reenactors equipped with a two band muskets must be used in the front ranks.
 7. Revolvers will be of period reproduction military issue with a period style military holster. No revolver will be carried without a holster on the field.
 8. Possession of any type of firing projectile or minnie ball on the field is FORBIDDEN.
 9. All weapons must be discharged before taking a “hit”.
10. Never fire when in close proximity to an artillery piece or ammunition chest.
11. All new recruits should be properly drilled prior to the battles. Recruits should always be in the front ranks whenever possible and surrounded by watchful veterans.
12. During any engagement when the distance between opposing forces is 15 yards or less, all fire must be elevated at an angle of not less than 45 degrees.
13. The Event Safety Officers will coordinate weapons safety inspections with the Battalion Commanders at each morning’s Officers Call. The Safety Officer will report that all inspections are in order, as well as any problems to the Event Provost.
14. If you fail to have your weapon inspected or it fails inspection two times in a row, you will not be allowed to carry the weapon on the field.
15. All mounted infantry shall fall under the command of the respective CS or Federal Cavalry Commander. All cavalry regulations will apply.

Weapon Inspections

All weapons will be inspected and passed as safe prior to participation in any engagement. The Unit Commander, NCO, or Safety Officer will determine that:

 1. The weapon is clean inside and out, is in good working order, and is in good general appearance.
 2. No obstructions are in the barrel of the weapon.
 3. There are no cracks in the metal or wood.
 4. There are no loose or missing screws.
 5. While on half cock, the inspector can suspend the weapon upside down while holding the trigger by itself.
 6. All bands are tight.
 7. In general, all parts of the weapon are fully functional.
 8. Revolver barrels must be cleared with its loading plunger or rod during safety inspections. All the above sections 1 through 7 that apply must also be met.

Weapon Inspection Procedure

 1. Weapons Inspections shall be held for all combatants at least one hour prior to each day’s battle.
 2. Any discrepancies must be corrected prior to the engagement. The weapon must be re-inspected prior to troop formations.
 3. Unit Commanders are to report failed weapons to the Safety Officer and report how the discrepancy was resolved. Weapons that fail inspection a second time shall not be allowed on the field, period.
 4. Each day at Officers Call, the Safety Officer will issue inspection stickers in the color of the day to the Unit Commanders. The stickers will be placed on each passed weapon. Sticker location will be announced by the Safety Officer.
 5. Each Unit Commander or NCO will report that inspections were in order to the Safety Officer prior to or at formation to deploy.
 6. At each day’s Officers Call, the Safety Officer will announce the location of his reporting post. The Safety Officer shall be at this post two hours prior to formations in order to receive inspection reports and to answer any questions or to assist in ensuring that all weapons are safe to take the field.
 7. After all inspections are complete, the Safety Officer will report his findings to the Event Provost.
 8. The Safety Officer may inspect any weapon at any time at will. All decisions by the Safety Officer are final.

Powder & Cartridges

 1. Bulk powder in excess of TWO POUNDS will not be stored in camp.
 2. Rolling cartridges on site should be avoided if possible. Participants should plan on attending the event with an ample supply of cartridges so that they do not have to be rolled on site. A soldier who needs to roll cartridges must inform his Unit Commander, NCO. The Unit Commander or NCO will assign a guard and select a site at least 70 feet from the nearest source of heat. No smoking, no children under the age of 16, or spectators will be allowed near.
 3. A properly rolled cartridge will be rolled in a soft type paper. No penny wrappers, heavy bond paper, plastic, staples, tape, or any type of metal is to be used in their construction.
 4. For rifles: 60 grains maximum of powder for .58 caliber and 70 grains maximum of powder for .69 caliber weapons.
 5. For revolvers: 25 grains maximum for .36 caliber and 30 grains maximum of powder for .44 caliber weapons.
 6. No “Wonder Wads” will be used in weapons.
 7. No wadding is to be added after powder is poured, and no cartridge is to be inserted into the muzzle during an engagement. Sparks and burnt paper can be a safety hazard which could ignite dry grass and end the battle scenario.

Carrying Powder & Cartridges on the Field

 1. Cartridges will be carried in an appropriate box with tins.
 2. Extra cartridges may be carried in a haversack if they are wrapped in aluminum foil in batches of ten. Matches and lighters should not be carried in the haversack at the same time.
 3. Cartridges will not be carried loose in pockets or haversack, or in the same container with matches or any other fire making apparatus.
 4. No nipple pick, wrench, caps, or other potential projectiles will be stored in the cartridge boxes.
 5. No powder flasks will be carried on the field.
 6. All weapons must be discharged before leaving the field.

These Safety Regulations were designed to make this a safe event for everyone. Please assist us in following them so that we can all return home in good health. Thank You.

The Georgia Division Reenactors Association & the Staff of the Battle of Resaca, Inc., would like to thank you for attending our event!


    





Georgia Division Reenactors Association
Georgia Division
Reenactors Assoc.


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